Cycling Races

28 October 2010

The best climbs in Europe in the Grand Tours

The top 30 cycling climbs in France, Spain, and Italy

This is a fantastic list of best bike climbs in Europe compiled by Thomson Bike Tours. Definitely one worth keeping. A dream list for those of us who love to experience climbs on a bike, and then sit back and watch the Pros tackle them on TV. Reminiscing and recognizing landmarks at every turn of the climb while saying out loud, "this is where it gets really steep". This is my kind of fun.

I have completed 14 of the 30. I have a long way to go. This year a number of these climbs will be featured in the Grand Tours. So if you are not able to get over to France, Italy, or Spain to ride these climbs yourself, at least mark your calendars and tune in to listen to the cycling commentators (Phil & Paul of course) describe a few of the most wondrous places to be on a bike, on this planet.Below are the climbs on this list above that are featured in either the 2011 Giro d'Italia and the 2011Tour de France:

#1 on the list - Monte Zoncolan-Saturday, 21 May 2011, Stage 14 of the Giro d'ItaliaLocation: Dolomites, north of Venice, ItalyDescription: Very steep climb. #1 on the list. The last and final climb of stage 14!

#24 on the list - Luz Ardiden-Thursday, 14 July 2011, Stage 12 of the Tour de FranceLocation: Hautes-Pyrenees, FranceDescription: the final climb of stage 12, after climbing the east side of the Col du Tourmalet!Read PedalDancer.com previous post: I was there that day on Luz Ardiden

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